It's being billed as the "World's Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics," and offers you the chance to be a part of history, as well as raise money for a worthy cause.

Taking place on September 13, 2003, the convoy is expected to include 3,000 to 5,000 trucks in at least 23 states and in some Canadian provinces.

"Each year we've done this, the amount we raise for Special Olympics Florida has tripled," says Cpl. Norm Schneiderhan, convoy organizer and special project coordinator in the Homeland Security Section of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

In 2000, the convoy brought in $17,000 in donations. Last year, a total of $51,500 was raised. This year's goal is $150,000. Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with mental retardation to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society.

"This will be the first year that trucks in other states will be participating at the same time," says Schneiderhan, who drove a truck for about three years before going into law enforcement. "The convoy's also a way to achieve better bonding between law enforcement and truckers."

The Basics

What: World's Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics
When: September 13, 2003
Where: Each state is organizing a convoy
Cost: $100 per truck
More information: www.worldslargesttruckconvoy.com